Smithfield Station celebrates 25 years

David Nicholson | 757-247-4794

Smithfield Station is celebrating 25 years of serving meals, boarding guests and entertaining boaters in Hampton Roads.

Ron and Tina Pack got their idea for a getaway destination when they visited similar places in the northern Chesapeake Bay area. Opened in November 1986, the facility combines an inn that now has 150 hotel rooms, a dining room that seats 150, conference center and marina with 27 slips, all along the Pagan River.In 1994, the Packs added a raw bar and the Lighthouse Suite, which was modeled after the Hooper Strait Lighthouse in St. Michael’s, MD., and has attracted a lot of attention from lighthouse enthusiasts.Two years later, as demand for rooms grew, the Packs converted the raw bar into additional guestrooms. In 2001, the Inner Banks Bar & Grill opened with a casual menu and live music. Finally in 2007, the station added a lodge building that includes 22 rooms, hotel lobby and boardwalk retail shops.Over the years, Smithfield Station has been praised by AAA and Chesapeake Magazine. The Packs have brought their sons, Randy and Brian, into the business.“The growth and prosperity of Smithfield Station is made possible by our customers' continued belief in what we do” says General Manager Randy Pack. “We are thankful for the support of our guests and look forward to the next twenty five years as we grow our families and welcome guests to Smithfield Station.”To celebrate the occasion, Smithfield Station is offering a 25th Anniversary Package that includes deluxe accommodations for one night, a bottle of champagne and $25 restaurant credit. Guests can also save 25 percent off reservations for 2012 if they are made by Dec. 31 of this year. In addition, the restaurant is featuring a special menu with 1986 prices.These offers and photos from the past 25 years can be viewed by visiting www.SmithfieldStationAnniversary.com.Smithfield Station. 415 S. Church St., Smithfield. 757-357-7700. www.smithfieldstation.com.